COVID-19 Claims Shore Businesses

In recent weeks we have started to learn that the coronavirus pandemic is going to claim many businesses in and around the Jersey Shore.

Recently Quaker Steak & Lube announced they would not be re-opening their Brick restaurant and earlier this week Ruby Tuesday closed three area locations including one on Route 70 in Lakewood. I think it’s fair to say they when all is said and done the restaurant and bar landscape will change dramatically with many closings.

How bad that will be will likely be determined by expected capacity restrictions put in place by the Governor’s Office when restaurants are allowed to reopen. If it’s as drastic as some imagine those that depend on a strong summer season may never open their doors again.

The restaurant industry employs thousands in the Ocean and Monmouth County area who not only will be out of a job but likely looking to change careers. I have many friends who own and operate places in this area and I hope there is a way for them to navigate through this crisis.

Simply Skin in Toms River (Kevin Williams, Townsquare Media NJ)

The impact of a national chain of any kind closing does not hit home as much as when a local business that has been a fixture in the community has to shut its doors. That’s why I was especially saddened to learn yesterday that Simply Skin was closing its day spa on Water Street in Toms River, another victim of the current crisis.

In an email to their many customers owner JoAnn Juralewicz thanked them for their loyalty over the 26 ½ years she had been in business providing skin and body care, manicures and pedicures, massages and more.

Sadly, at this time I must announce that Simply Skin will not be reopening after this pandemic. My heart is heavy. We touched many lives. Please know that it brought us great joy to do so. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your understanding.

Many years ago at the urging of my wife I decided to get a pedicure and relay my experience in a segment of the Hometown View. It was nothing like I imagined and something I thoroughly enjoyed and I’ve been saying for the past year I have to do this again.

Two of my female co-workers are Simply Skin regulars and I kept saying I would go with them but never did. Sadly I’ll have to find a new place when I finally make the move. I know the medical aspects of COVID-19 have to be the priority but let’s not forget the many who will suffer in other ways as well.